Motoring up the Macclesfield.

It was not long after 0900 that we moved off and as we arrived at the bottom of the locks were were told that we were the first of the day. The mist was starting to burn off and it looked set to be a good day for heading upwards.

The cloud from Lock 6 or 7.

We  met quite a few boats going down but made good progress and reached the top in just over 90 mins. We stopped to top up the water at the top and dump the rubbish in ths kip before heading off again.

At the top is what looks like an original milestone. These were all taken down during WWII but the Canal sociaety re-erected them and replaced those that were lost. This side says 'From Hall Green 9 miles' (or maybe 10). Hall green stop lock being the actually start of the Macclesfield Canal rather than the Hardings Wood Junction.

This side says 'From Marple 16 miles'.

The hills start to come into view and the canal seems to cut across valleys giving great views of the countryside.

We passed through Fool's Nook electric swing bridge without holding anybody up and we were soon at footpath swing bridge at Danes Moss.

Job done. Helen on here were back from operating the swing footbridge.

The views to the hills on the approach to the Gurnett aqueduct are lovely, especially when the sun is shinning.

As we approach the Gurnett Aqueduct this row of cottages always look good.

I never think that the moorings at Macclesfield are very welcoming. The grumpy man who lives by the first moorings has managed to get the water tap moved, have signs put up saying not to run your engines and somebody has removed the mooring rings from outside his house. On top of this you can't really get anywhere near the bank. However we did stop as Helen wanted to walk down to a fabric emporium she had discovered so that she could start on a project she had in mind. We did a few other little jobs too. All in all the town centre isn't too bad at all, and has some nice cobbled streets etc. We were soon off again though as we had a date for the night.

Just on the outskirts of Bollington I took this photograph of the bridge as I love the way they built it in this shape rather than a simple box of arch shape. The bridges are really wonderful on this canal.

We are on or now usual mooring as we have tagged on the end here the last three times we have stopped. There is room further up but here we have a great view up the valley.

I have a niece who lives here in Bollington and she picked us up and took us to a nephew and his wife and new young son for a lovely meal. Thanks very much to Steph., Hannah, Chris and Joe for a great meal and a lovely chat. And to Teddy for getting us all broody again.